EFF leader Julius Malema has taken to Twitter to hit back at Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip. The EFF has vowed to remove Trollip via a motion of no confidence.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 14: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema speaks during a media briefing at the party’s headquarters on February 14, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Malema announced that the party's Members of Parliament will not participate in the debate of President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation Address on Tuesday and Wednesday. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan / Simphiwe Nkwali)

The relationship between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) currently sits at an all-time low. Thanks to the wonders of modern social media, party officials can now confront each other at any time of the day or night. This time, it’s Julius Malema versus Athol Trollip.

Trollip, the current mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay is facing removal after the EFF announced their intention to file for a motion of no confidence.

On Saturday, Trollip praised his party for their work in ensuring former president Jacob Zuma face charges for corruption. He didn’t just stick to his party, though, he also went after the EFF.

“Compare this consistent principled determination with the EFF Flip flopping on this issue. In fact, if you research the EFF positions on issues of major national importance since their inception, you will see that “Flip flopping” is the only constant.”

Within a matter of hours, Malema issued a reply that started a full-blown Twitter back and forth.

There you go, Julius you’ve now confirmed the real reason for my removal. Not those fudgey contrived reasons provided in your Councillors motion. Just have the courage of your racist convictions and say what you mean.

And there you have it folks. Undisguised racism. Nothing to do with performance, work ethic, delivery, integrity. Just the colour of Athol's skin. Apartheid and racial prejudice live on. https://t.co/MOz2ornN6k

I trust that, to be consistent in his racism, Julius chooses to eschew the skill and commitment of every white person. For example, I trust that none of his son's teachers are white. https://t.co/MOz2ornN6k

On Wednesday, the EFF pushed ahead with its plan to oust Trollip and called for a special council sitting on 29 March. The EFF’s decision to remove Trollip is a so-called “warning shot” against the party after it voted against a parliamentary bill on land expropriation without compensation.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane has promised to mobilise public support to keep Trollip in his job.